Even by this club's standards, the past campaign was, shall we say, eventful. Neil Cameron gives his verdict on Newcastle United's season

Yohan Cabaye’s goal in the 1-0 win at Manchester United was a massive high point for all Magpies’ fans

Some would say it was a typical Newcastle United season.

You know, with all the highs, lows, good and bad times, all of which could happen within the space of 10 minutes.

But the 2013/14 campaign truly stands alone. Even by the standards of this crazy football club.

On the field, certainly not in recent times, has there been so much good sandwiched by some truly awful don’t-watch-alone performances.

There was Yohan Cabaye’s brilliance, at least until January, protests, superb wins, the resurgence of Mike Williamson, Loic Remy’s goals and Alan Pardew sticking the head on someone.

So much happened that it’s easy to forget that day when Pardew swore at Manuel Pellegrini and told him to “shut his noise.”

Anyway, here is my look back on a season when everything happened. Twice.

High point

There was a glorious three-month period when Newcastle played the best football since Sir Bobby Robson was in charge.

Everything was good. They defended well, passed the ball better and in Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy, two of the most potent attackers in English football.

For me, it all began with the 2-2 home draw against Liverpool.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s first-half red card should have meant it was an easy win for the men from Merseyside.

But with Cheick Tiote playing the game of his life, helped by his team-mates, Newcastle more than deserved their point.

After that came a win over Chelsea, a Tim Krul-inspired three points at White Hart Lane and in early January, a rather lovely 3-1 win at West Ham United. However, the season’s high point was THAT win at Old Trafford against Manchester United. The first of its kind since 1972.

The best thing about this game is that it wasn’t a smash-and-grab.

Pardew got his tactics spot-on. Cabaye’s goal was the result of a great move. It was a day when everything seemed possible.

Low point

David Meyler of Hull City clashes with Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew

There were many.

Two derby defeats is not great. The second loss, at St James’ Park, was hugely dispiriting. Sunderland could have won by a lot more than their three goals.

The enduring image from that day is of Steven Taylor marking Jack Colback, the most left-footed player in the league, and showing him on to his left foot at the second goal.

The headbutt was awful. Looking back at that incident at Hull, it doesn’t get any better.

And that run of six defeats in a row was excruciating to watch. But for me, the 4-0 defeat at Southampton was the worst of the lot.

Newcastle looked like an out-of-form League Two side playing Real Madrid.

Southampton could have got into double figures that day. That gets said a lot about heavy defeats, but in this case it’s true.

Turning point

2014 Getty Images

Cheick Tiote of Newcastle remonstrates with Referee Mike Jones after his goal is disallowed for offside against Manchester City

You could make an argument for Cheick Tiote’s goal against Manchester City being ruled out.

And the FA Cup defeat at home to Cardiff felt like a season-ending afternoon – which it was.

But you can’t get away from the sale of Yohan Cabaye, particularly as there was no replacement lined up.

It wasn’t that a gap was left in the team, more a chasm that made the Grand Canyon look a bit pokey.

The dressing room never recovered. The results took a massive dip. Players seemed to give up. Pardew mentioned Cabaye at almost every press conference. Paris St-Germain got a bargain.

Key man

PA Wire

Newcastle United's Loic Remy celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Cardiff City

Loic Remy scored goals. Tiote was consistent. Mike Williamson had the season of his career.

Remy was a great signing, even if it was on loan which it should never have been.

And while he had given up the ghost at the end, while suspension and injury cut into his game time, for a few months there he was one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

However, we have to return to the Cabaye.

Once he got back in the team following all the going on strike nonsense, the guy hardly put a foot wrong. Goals against Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and his last, a brilliant free-kick at West Ham, told only half the story.

Cabaye was elegant. A footballer utterly in control of his emotions. He was a joy to watch.

Rate the boss

Hmm. It’s hard to get past that day at Hull and then a few weeks later when, after losing at Stoke, he blamed this newspaper for the defeat.

Pardew is as much deserving of our sympathy as he is criticism. It’s not all his fault. But a lot of it is.

Some of the team selections and tactics have been puzzling. It is hard to rate him without the board backing him properly. Although not impossible.

Newcastle need to play better football next season, especially at home.

And that is down to the manager and his coaching staff.

It is the most important season of Alan Pardew’s football life.

Goal of the season

Yohan Cabaye is congratulated by team mates

Remy scored a couple of good ones at Cardiff. Sissoko got two at Hull, both good, and Paul Dummett scoring against Liverpool, at the Gallowgate End, was fun.

Cabaye’s free-kick at West Ham was a real tonic, as was Remy’s last-minute winner at home to Fulham.

However, for what it meant on the day, Cabaye’s goal at Old Trafford, as Newcastle out-passed and out-thought their opponents, is No 1.

Transfer priority

Signings. Lots of them. Strikers, wingers, another centre-half, a left-back (even if there are lot of them at the club) and a new Yohan Cabaye.

Give the fans some excitement. Please. This costs money, but the likes of Remy Cabella would be a good start. He is a thrilling talent that could go on to become a real hero.

However, what is also required is some British-based players. I think we’ve had enough French lads.

Prediction for next season

Impossible to say without knowing who is going to come in.

With a few additions, they will struggle to be top-10. Four good new players and a top-eight place is up for grabs. That would be progress.

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